Bostrycius

Holy Martyr Bostrycius is one of the thirty-⁠three martyrs of Melitene (in Lesser Armenia), of the third century, commemorated on 7 November (new style). Their list includes, among others, Hieron, Nicander, Hesychius, Barachus, Maximian, Callinicus, Xanthias, Athanasius, Theodore, Eugenius, Theophilus, Valerius, Theodotus, Callimachus, Hilarius, Gigantius, Longinus, Themelius, Eutychius, Diodotus, Bostrycius, Theagenes, Mamas, Nikon, Theodulus, Victor, Dorotheus, Claudian, Epiphanius and Anicetus.

The first, Hieron, was from Tyana in Cappadocia. His father died early, and he and his brothers Matronianus and Antony were raised by their mother Stratonike. Though educated, Hieron worked the land. On Sundays and feasts he taught the labourers and turned many from idols. Under Diocletian the prefect Agricolas seized him, with his brothers and thirty other helpers of the Gospel. Imprisoned and tortured, they were at last beheaded outside the city of Melitene. About Bostrycius the sources consulted say no more than that his name stands in this group.